Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

You think you understand music royalties? Think again. Dae Bogan from The MLC breaks it all down with Dave Hamilton on this week’s Gig Gab. From the ancient days of piano rolls to the tangled web of modern streaming, you’ll learn how mechanical royalties differ from performance rights and why most artists are leaving money on the table. The MLC—born from the Music Modernization Act of 2018—isn’t j...

When the skies open and the gig’s a wash, how do you keep the energy alive? Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to break down how The Pork Tornadoes handled a rainout, what happens when the audience doesn’t get the memo, and why your contract better say who’s in charge. From chaotic “throw and go” setups to must-do line checks, this episode reminds you that you’re not just playing music—you’re leadin...

Ever wonder what it’s like to roll through the golden age of rock with the crew behind the legends? On this week’s Gig Gab, Chinner Winstead takes you backstage—from autograph sessions with Tom Petty to chaos-control on tour with Nantucket. You’ll trace the path from bar band to global tours with Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Georgia Satellites, and Tracy Chapman. Spoiler: it all starts with showin...

Ever wonder how a skater punk becomes a music industry powerhouse? This week, Billy Cuthrell joins Dave Hamilton to share how his drumming journey kicked off with a Ludwig kit and a dose of Zeppelin, then scaled into creating a chain of four music schools and a million lessons taught annually. From being Music Inc. Magazine’s “Retail Doctor” to pioneering a subscription-style lessons model that gi...

You’re not alone if you’re running a click track on stage—more and more musicians are embracing it, and for good reason. This week on Gig Gab, Corey Manske joins Dave Hamilton to unpack how using a click can reduce stress, keep your band tight, and help you Always Be Performing . From essential stage gear like chapstick and a tape measure (you’ll get it), to the magic of “coopetition” among musici...

This week on Gig Gab , you’re diving deep with the (almost!) full crew from P-Funk North as they share what keeps their reggae funk machine moving. From twice-a-week rehearsals to the relentless grind of networking and playing out regularly, they prove that consistency and camaraderie build longevity. You’ll hear how rejection turns into rocket fuel and why letting the music speak for itself only...

Step inside Sphere with Robert Scovill as he rejoins Dave on Gig Gab to dissect the art—and science—of immersive live sound. From his early days quad-mixing Rush to commanding 32 channels through Avid’s S6L with Meyer’s Spacemap Go, Scovill walks you through prepping for Sphere with simulators, Holoplot mapping, and object-based mixing. You’ll hear how rethinking coverage in a globe-shaped venue f...

Buddy Gibbons returns to Gig Gab to share how he’s gearing up for a nostalgia-fueled tour with Stephen Glickman and the Big Time Rush fanbase. From rollerblading around Wembley to off-road RC cars for downtime, Buddy’s prepping body and mind for the grind. He and Dave dig into how playing without a click can feel naked, why RokTempo and Russian Dragon are essential tools, and how the right gear—li...

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes as he joins Dave Hamilton to share real-world insights on making your gigs—and your band—better. You’ll get actionable tips on using splitter snakes without frying your gear, plus a no-nonsense breakdown of how standing (or not) while singing can shape your stage presence. Mike and Dave even toss in their take on Chin...

GigSalad’s Mark Steiner joins this week’s Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children’s theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You’ll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company that helps 110,000+ performers get paid. From the Glenn Miller Orchestra to building Steiner Talent to...

You’re about to get the roadmap from Luke and Will Mallett of The Mallett Brothers on what it really takes to make music a career. From playing 120 shows a year to building a loyal tribe of 2,000 superfans, the brothers break down how live gigs aren’t just part of the job—they are the job. You’ll hear how they’ve learned to follow the seasons, balance home life with relentless touring, and why col...

If your band’s live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode’s for you. We’re diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You’ll also hear why phantom power isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and how to get serious clarity fro...

What’s it like going from drum tech to mixing stadium shows for legends? In this week’s Gig Gab, you join Scottie Baldwin and Dave Hamilton as they dive into the artistry behind live sound. From getting the call from Prince’s drummer to Sheila E nudging him toward sound, Scottie shares tricks like frequency gating and translating wild artist requests—think Gaga’s “lavender knife”—into killer mixes...

This week on Gig Gab, you’re in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You’ll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you’re not posting on Instagram, you’re not even in the conversation. Whether your band’s been around for five years or five we...

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting to external management, dealt with label fal...

This week, you’ll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers’ drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick’s Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa’s music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You’ll hear what it’s like grooving through complex Zappa parts, blending genres, and finding your own v...

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference sessions—Sonic Guild Grants and mentor sessions can chang...

Get ready to conquer SXSW with insider tips from this special crossover episode of Gig Gab and the Roadcase Podcast. You’ll learn how to plan your badge, map your venue hits—from Antone’s to Mohawk—and navigate scooter passes like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing can’t-miss bands, food finds, and surprise performances that’ll level up your festival game. Listen in and Always Be Performing while making t...

Running a band is more than just playing music—it’s a business, and this week, you’re getting a front-row seat to the real numbers behind a self-promoted, four-walled show. Dave and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes break down the hard costs, from union labor to venue staff, and what it takes to make those ticket prices work. Is the venue actually promoting your gig, or are you...

You never know where a layoff might lead—sometimes, it’s straight into launching your own in-ear monitor (IEM) company. That’s exactly what Dark Matter Audio’s Tal Kocen and Dave Friesma did, carving out a niche in a legacy industry by embracing natural sound and combining it with all the nerdy elements that go into making these things the right way. Dave and Tal break down why ears naturally boos...

Paul Kent returns to Gig Gab, diving headfirst into the wild ride of full-time gigging with 120 shows lined up this year—and still packing the house! From near-disaster moments like a bass player taking a tumble (not this time, thankfully) to the art of bonding with your audience before you even hit that first note, it’s all about controlling the chaos. Whether it’s using a Seismic Audio Spl...

Ever wondered how to capture those magical live performance moments? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives into the world of recording your gigs, offering insights for musicians at every level. Host Dave Hamilton welcomes back guest Daniel East, a seasoned drummer, sound engineer, and recording enthusiast. With decades of experience, Daniel shares his journey from using cassette decks to modern dig...

Are you struggling to make your mark in the music industry while juggling your creative passions? Gig Gab’s latest episode features Keanan Duffty, a multi-talented musician, fashion designer, and educator who has shaped both the sound and look of music culture. Keanan Duffty, frontman of Slinky Vagabond and author of “The Fashion Entrepreneur,” shares his journey of blending rock...

Are you a musician struggling to stay inspired on the road? Discover how to keep your passion alive, even when far from home. In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton sits down with Pat Guadagno, a celebrated singer and musical storyteller from the Jersey Shore music scene. Pat shares his journey from cover artist to respected interpreter of classic songs, including his unexpected collaborat...

Are you a musician curious about the latest gear and industry trends? Dive into Gig Gab episode 467, where host Dave Hamilton shares his first-hand experience at NAMM, the music industry’s premier trade show. Dave takes you on a journey through the bustling halls of NAMM, offering insights into the latest innovations and must-see products. From the QSC K Column KC12 loudspeakers to the revol...